Studying medicine in Poland

5 reasons to study medicine in Poland

There is no numerus clausus (NC) for studying medicine in Poland at most Polish medical universities. The grades in your A-levels therefore do not play a major role. Much more important in the application process is proof of participation in scientific subjects or previous training in the medical field.

Studying medicine in English

At many universities in Poland, the language of instruction for medical studies is English. This means that you don't need to learn a new language for your studies and will be fluent in a world language by the end of your degree!

Internationally recognised degree

A degree in medicine from Poland is recognised in Germany and all other EU countries. After successfully completing your studies, all doors are open to you and you can start your medical career in a country of your choice, as things currently stand.

Geographical proximity to Germany

The proximity to neighbouring Germany makes it quick and easy for you to travel to your home country to visit your family, friends and girlfriends. This will certainly make your decision to study medicine abroad easier.

Studying medicine in Poland: International student cities

Poland's student cities are very popular due to their lively multicultural community, educational institutions and diverse cultural offerings. In the many bars, cafés and clubs in the cities, you can spend the afternoons after university with your fellow students from a wide range of degree programmes. Numerous alternative leisure activities such as art, culture or music festivals, a rich natural environment with outdoor activities and historical sights give you the opportunity to lead an exciting student life in Poland. Poland is one of the countries where you can do all this at very affordable prices!

At which universities is it possible to study medicine in Poland?

There is a large selection of universities in Poland that offer degree programmes, especially medical studies in English. You can find some important information about the most popular medical universities in Poland here:

Jagiellonian University Krakow

Jagionellen University was founded in 1364 and is one of the oldest universities in Europe. It enjoys an excellent reputation worldwide.

Krakow is particularly known for its beautiful old town and historic architecture. A large proportion of the inhabitants are students. The city's numerous parks, cafés and clubs are teeming with young people from all over the world. The many student organisations will help you to make friends quickly.  

Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin (Pomorski Uniwersytet Medyczny)

100 medical study places are offered each year for the winter semester at the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, which is located directly on the Baltic Sea coast in the north. The Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin is also located directly on the German border. It is also possible to study dentistry in English, with 30 places on offer. The university in Szczecin has a co-operation with the Asklepios clinics in Germany. German students have the opportunity to take part in this programme and spend 3 years of their studies in human medicine at the Asklepios clinics in Germany.

Medical University of Wroclaw (Wroclaw Medical University Wroclaw)

The Faculty of Medicine is the largest faculty of the Medical University of Wrocław, which was founded in 1950. The university is particularly known for its friendly approach to its students and its openness to change. Both human medicine and dentistry can be studied in English, thus offering optimal study conditions. The university cooperates with two hospitals, the Individual Public Clinical Hospital no. 1 (SPSK1) and the University Clinical Hospital. Your practical training will take place in these very well-equipped hospitals.

Wroclaw is located in the south-west of Poland. The city is rich in history, architecture and culture. Thanks to its wide range of leisure activities and numerous social programmes, you can enjoy a lively and dynamic student life there. 

Medical University of Lodz (Medical University of Lodz)

You can also study dentistry or human medicine in English at the University of Lodz. The medical degree programme has a long tradition of 75 years and is considered to be extremely student-friendly. The campus of the Faculty of Medicine is multicultural, with students coming from over 67 different countries. The university's dental centre is considered one of the most modern in Europe. Another special feature of the university: a medical stimulation centre where you can apply your theoretical knowledge to simulated situations.

Medical University of Lublin (Medical University of Lublin)

The Medical University of Lublin offers a medical degree programme in English in both the summer and winter semesters. The university has a cooperation with Wenzhou Medical University in China, which is why you will spend the first two and last three semesters of your entire degree programme there. These rotations give you the "Dual Medical Degree". You also have the opportunity to do a clinical rotation in the USA in the last two years.

Medical University of Bialystok (Medical University Bialystok)

The Medical University of Bialystok offers a degree programme in human medicine in English. In international rankings, the university performs particularly well in the parameters "teaching and learning" and "regional commitment".

Bialystok is located in north-east Poland on the border with Belarus. Belarus offers a high quality of life with a well-developed infrastructure and modern housing options at comparatively low prices. Numerous cultural events and leisure activities such as concerts, festivals and exhibitions offer you the opportunity to organise your time after lectures in an exciting way.

Requirements for studying medicine in Poland

To start your medical studies in Poland, you need a high school diploma. The average grade of your A-levels is not decisive. However, great importance is placed on scientific subjects. You can score points here if you also took chemistry, biology or physics in upper secondary school or had particularly good grades. Previous training and completed hospital internships are also very useful when applying.

There are usually no entrance examinations if you want to study medicine in Poland, but some universities invite their applicants to personal interviews. In these interviews, you explain your motivation and interest in studying medicine and can also clarify any unanswered questions.

As the degree programme is taught in English, some Polish medical universities require proof of language proficiency. This is usually expected in the form of a TOEFL or IELTS certificate.

The Medical studies with a specialist baccalaureate is not possible in Poland, but it is in many other European countries.

How is the study programme in human medicine structured in Poland?

The content of the medical degree programme in Poland is comparable to the German curriculum. The Duration of study for the medical degree programme is also six years.

At the beginning of your medical studies, you will learn the basics of medicine. This includes anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, medical terminology and histology. This phase is highly theoretical and lays the foundations for understanding the structure and function of the human body. This phase is similar to the pre-clinical phase in Germany, but clinical content is also taught, which is why there is no strict separation between the clinical and pre-clinical phases.

During the course of the degree, the focus of the lectures is then increasingly on medical science in the various specialist areas to be studied, such as internal medicine, surgery, gynaecology, anaesthesia or paediatrics. These subjects are usually taught in block courses. At the same time, you will complete work placements on the various hospital wards.

The final year of the degree programme is comparable to the practical year in Germany. You work mainly in the hospital and rotate on wards with different specialisms. The aim of these rotations is to deepen your clinical experience and develop your ability to diagnose and treat illnesses.

At the end of this year, students take a final examination in which their medical knowledge and clinical skills are tested. If you successfully complete this examination, you will be awarded the title "Lekarz" (doctor/medical doctor (MD)). This degree is recognised in Germany and other EU countries.

How much does it cost to study medicine in Poland?

On average, studying medicine in Poland costs 2,000 to 3,000 euros in tuition fees per year. The Costs of studying medicine (human medicine) at public universities are relatively low compared to other European universities. At private universities, however, semester fees of up to 7,000 euros can be incurred. The financing of medical studies abroad can be financed by a Scholarship The programme supports students with partial or full payment of tuition fees.

The cost of living varies depending on where you study, but is significantly lower in Poland than in Germany and some other European Union countries. For example, you can find a room in a shared flat with a rent of around 100 euros. Monthly food costs range from 90 euros to 130 euros, depending on your diet. Including leisure activities and transport, you should be able to manage between 300 and 600 euros.

Country and people: What you didn't know about Poland

1. Animals as far as the eye can see! No other European country has as much biodiversity to offer as Poland. Moreover, the heaviest land animal in Europe lives in Poland - the bison. Around 800 of these animals live in the Bialowieza Forest. Perhaps veterinary medicine is also of interest?

2. Beer with syrup? In Poland, beer is often flavoured with a dash of raspberry syrup so that it tastes a little sweeter and milder.

3. Land of lakes. With 9,300 lakes, Poland ranks second in Europe, just behind Finland. The beautiful Polish lakes are ideal for fishing, sailing and other water sports, which increases the demand for study places in human medicine, dentistry (dental medicine) and other degree programmes.

Applying to study medicine in Poland

The application procedures at the medical universities in Poland are slightly different, as are the Application deadlines for medical studies compared to other countries. The application documents include a certified copy of your school leaving certificate, your birth certificate, a completed application form and an identity document. We will help you with this and want you to benefit from our experience. We are happy to support you. Not only with the application process to get one of the coveted study places - we will help you to find your way around Poland and the most beautiful cities, with all questions about the structure of your studies, the tuition fees, the differences to Germany, concerns about the language of instruction of the degree programmes.

Are you ready to realise your dream of studying medicine in Poland? Contact us today and start your journey with futuredoctor. We look forward to accompanying you on your journey to studying medicine abroad and working with you to realise your dream of a career in medicine.

You don't want to contact us directly in person, but are very interested in one of the many study opportunities abroad and would like to study medicine in Poland? Then why not take part in our live webinar, where you can also ask any questions you still have. You can always find current dates on our website.